A pow day in the backcountry can go from great to bad to worse, fast! Even when you think the conditions are stable, Mother Nature can drive a hot grounder in your direction and you'll need to think fast. Buying the the BCA Float 32 Airbag Pack before you go can give you a better shot at surviving a life-threatening avalanche scenario by preventing or minimizing burial depth. Inverse segregation, more commonly referred to as the “Brazil Nut Effect,” is the science behind why airbags work - turbulent movement during a slide sorts objects by size and weight (similar to the way large Brazil nuts will rise to the top when a bowl of mixed nuts is shaken). Smaller objects are more likely to fall into the voids created by the turbulence, while larger objects move to the top. In addition to giving you a better chance of rising to the top of the debris pile, the BCA Float 32 also helps provide head, neck and back support during a slide, aiding in the prevention of major spinal trauma. The BCA Float 32 is the perfect size for day touring, with room for your avalanche essentials, food, water and extra clothing. (Compressed air cylinder ships empty and needs to be filled prior to use.)

Airbag

A small 2,700-psi (186 bar) compressed-air cylinder, single-chamber 150-liter airbag, and super efficient Venturi System make the Float system efficient and compact.

BCA Float cylinders may be refilled either by BCA in Boulder, CO, or at authorized refill stations. BCA does not recommend attempting to refill cylinders yourself or at non-authorized locations as the process requires training, documentation and parts provided by BCA.

Empty Cylinder - Must be filled prior to use.

Pockets

Main zippered pocket

Dedicated shovel and probe pocket

Engine Compartment - Houses the cylinder and all other components to fill the airbag

Warning - Wearing an airbag backpack is no guarantee of survival in an avalanche. Backcountry travelers are highly advised to educate themselves in snow stability assessment, route finding, and companion rescue and carry all of the conventional avalanche gear in addition to the airbag.